Cis 500. Assignment 1

Predictive Policing

Shvawn Jacobs

Dr. Frank Lazzara

Information Systems Decision Making

October 20, 2012

“Why just count crime when you can anticipate, prevent, and respond more effectively?” (Beck, 2009) A capable fashion in significantly reducing violent crimes in many areas has begun and in those areas some believe that it has decreased the crime rates. This tactic known as predictive policing is very similar to what the retail stores may use to predict what times of the year are money makers such as black Friday/Christmas and when the forecast predicts a major storm or for North Carolina any storm. "Predictive policing, in essence, is taking data from disparate sources, analyzing them and then using the results to anticipate, prevent and respond more effectively to future crime.” (Pearsall, 2010) As a result of this type of policing officers are now able to be proactive instead of reactive and this can save lives when it comes down to the violent crimes. One may question if this method is actual new or has it just been given a new name. Many argue that predictive policing has actual been around for over 40 years. .” (Pearsall, 2010)

Over time there will be more cuts made in the workforce as well as new technology evolving. The more cuts that are made the more man will have to be dependent on technology and I believe that predictive policing has placed the police departments with a step in the right direction. As I read the article it seems to me that changes will continue to be made to enhance predictive policing technology. On another hand I feel as though citizens should be educated as to what is happening because though predictive policing is helpful also allows the people living in those areas to say that the police department is stereotyping. ” Participants stressed the importance of setting up a thorough privacy policy, training personnel to use it properly, enforcing accountability and continually refining the policy. Policies should...